This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. Angle grinders are one of those tools that finds its way into countless DIY and constructions projects. Whether you are using a grinder wheel for some body work to get your truck to pass inspection, or using a diamond wheel to notch ceramic tile, or using a wire brush to get paint off of wrought iron railing, an angle grinder can save you time and a ton of elbow grease (with age, the amount of grease in my elbows seems to be on a steady decline). The Makita 36V Grinder Kit, officially known as the Makita 18-Volt X2 (36-Volt) 5.0Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Angle Grinder Kit, is put together with a powerhouse of an angle grinder at its core.
The Makita 36V Grinder – Not Your Father’s Angle Grinder
The Makita 36V Grinder Kit includes:
• (2) 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery
• 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Dual Port Charger
• 7″ Tool-less Wheel Guard
• 7″ Cut-Off Wheel Guard
• 7″ x 1/4″ x 7/8″ INOX Grinding Wheel
• 7″ x 1/16″ x 7/8″ INOX Cut-Off Wheel
• Side Handle
• Tool Bag
The tool bag is high quality and makes packing up clean and simple. It has several pockets and pouches on the interior as well as exterior of the bag. Two options for carrying with a shoulder strap or the hand hold straps are crafted like well-made luggage. The ability to keep the different wheels, guards, charger and grinder in the carrying bag is a major benefit in my world – this will eliminate (or at least reduce) the purchasing of wheels that you are pretty sure you already bought but are ‘somewhere’ in your garage or truck. The dual port charger provides a full charge to both batteries in less than an hour, has indicator lights to show the battery status and tucks away nicely in the tool bag for both storage and jobs outside of your garage or shop.
The Makita 36V Grinder kit includes two distinct guards – one for grinding and the other for use when using a cut-off wheel. The grinding guard switches out quickly with the quick release lever. Both guards utilize a two tab design to align, insert and rotate the guards into a locked position prior to securing with the lever or nut. The increased spark protection provided by the cut-off wheel guard is another detail that makes the Makita 36V Grinder a cut (or grind) above the rest.
The Quality of a Tool Remains Long After the Memory of Any “Savings” is Forgotten
Thanks to it’s heavy-duty build, the Makita 36V Grinder will likely find itself in many pro tool collections. But within both pro and DIY groups, there exists two philosophical camps when it comes to purchasing tools. One camp would prefer to buy the lower end models and most likely buy multiple replacements once the last wears out. The other camp will save and buy a higher end tool with the intent of purchasing one that will last and possibly be passed on. While there is little fear of wearing the Makita 36V Grinder out, the cost may be more than your average Father’s Day or Christmas present price range. There is no debating the quality of this grinder, deciding your personal applications and price point are the main points to consider.
The Makita 36V Grinder Provides Balance and Power
The power produced by the two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries makes cutting the cord an easy decision. The Makita 36V Grinder cuts through bolts, sheet metal and wood without issue on a hotrod work-in-progress. I was able to finesse the fit of the sheet metal of a chopped top to dial in the seams with this larger cordless grinder.
The Makita 36V Grinder was also used to do heavy grinding to smooth the admittedly rough and ugly welds on 3.5 inch pipe and the welds of the boxed-in model A frame. I found the 11.4 pounds of grinder to be well balanced and manageable in various positions and situations. Corded or single battery angle grinders range in weight from approximately five and a half to seven pounds. Holding the grinder at chest or waist height with the handle that attaches to the left and right side, I was able to work the Makita 36V Grinder comfortably with the vibration absorbing, back handle design. The back handle is separate from the motor housing to help reduce the vibration transmitting to your hands. The power of the Makita 36V grinder is apparent but not at all unwieldy, especially considering there are no cords to get in the way.
The Specifications from Makita 18V X2 – 36V Grinder are as follows:
Wheel Diameter…………….. 7″
Battery…………………… 2X 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
No Load Speed……………… 7,800 RPM
Spindle Thread ……………. 5/8″ – 11 UNC
Lock-On…………………… No
Lock-Off …………………..Yes
Grinder Switch Type ……….. Rear trigger
Handle Overall Length………. 19-5/8″
Net Weight (with battery)…… 11.4 lbs.
Shipping Weight……………. 29.768 lbs.
The Makita 36V Grinder Gives you a Brake – Literally
Makita states that the electric brake stops the wheel in 4.5 seconds or less for improved productivity. With the scientifically proven use of “one Mississippi, two Mississippi,” I was able to fact check that the Makita 36V Grinder really does stop in mere seconds. From the standpoint of being able to set the tool down safely because the wheel has stopped spinning quickly, this is both efficient and improves user safety. I’m pretty sure that I am not the only person who has set down a still spinning grinder, heard that horrifying sound and instantly added another item to the continually growing list of “why we can’t have nice things.” It happens to the best of us, but likely less so with the Makita 36V Grinder.
The electric brake is the only thing that I found that could stop the Makita 36V Grinder. This is designed and built to a professional grade and delivers in kind. If the Makita 36V Grinder fits into your pro or DIY world, there will be sparks in your future as you put this wheel to the proverbial grindstone.
You can buy the Makita 36V Grinder Kit for around $419:
I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with Home Fixated in sponsored content. As a part of the sponsorship, Home Fixated is receiving compensation for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are our own words. This post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
